Project Grant 2222147

This $128,764 National Science Foundation project grant funds a partnership between Michigan State University, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry's Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, and the College of Menominee Nation's Sustainable Development Institute. The grant aims to support six Indigenous postdoctoral researchers in STEM education research competencies and prepare them to undertake participatory and community-engaged research studies investigating best practices in STEM education that increase Indigenous representation in STEM fields. Specifically, the three institutional partners will provide traditional and unique experiences customized for the professional and research development of Indigenous STEM education researchers, with a focus on participatory community-engaged research methods. Fellows and faculty mentors will engage in immersion experiences in Indigenous communities to further cultural competence and conduct authentic participatory research studies on relevant STEM education issues. The project holds potential for generating new models supporting Indigenous scholars and strategies for making STEM departments more inclusive. It is funded under the National Science Foundation's STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076).